Shloka 6.58.38

प्रहस्तवधः (The Slaying of Prahasta)

Devanagari script

तेप्राप्यविशिखानीलंविनिर्भिद्यसमाहिताः ।।।।महींजग्मुर्महावेगारुषिताइवपन्नगाः ।

Transliteration

nīlaḥ śarair abhihato niśitair jvalanopamaiḥ |

sa taṃ parama-durdharṣam āpatantaṃ mahākapiḥ |

prahastaṃ tāḍayāmāsa vṛkṣam utpāṭya vīryavān ||6.58.39-40||

Translation

Nīla, struck by sharp arrows blazing like fire, the mighty great Vānara uprooted a tree and smote Prahasta as he charged—Prahasta being exceedingly hard to withstand.

Context

The arrows discharged by Prahastha, penetrated piercing into Nila's body at great speed like infuriated serpents and went straight into the earth.

Characters & Entities

• Nīla
• Prahasta

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The verse models steadfast duty under suffering: even when wounded, Nīla does not abandon the fight, but acts to stop a dangerous aggressor. It reflects Dharmic perseverance—enduring pain to protect one’s community and uphold a righteous cause.

What is the narrative situation?

After being pierced by Prahasta’s arrows, Nīla retaliates immediately by uprooting a tree and striking the charging Prahasta.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṣānti with vīrya—endurance combined with valor—shown by Nīla’s ability to continue and counterattack despite injury.